Watch Gorilla Family & Me

Gorilla Family & Me is a captivating wildlife documentary series that takes the viewers on a heartwarming journey into the lives of gorillas in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The series is presented by renowned wildlife filmmaker and photographer Gordon Buchanan and was first aired in 2015 on BBC 2.

In this three-part series, Buchanan spends a year studying a remarkable family of wild western lowland gorillas, led by an imposing silverback named Chimanuka. The main aim of the series is to document the extraordinary lives of these endangered species and shine a light on some of the conservation efforts that are underway to protect them.

The adventure begins with Buchanan's arrival in the jungle, where he meets the park rangers who protect the gorillas and learns about the daily dangers they face, including poaching and civil war. Buchanan's journey is not without its challenges, as he must navigate the dense forest and avoid the gaze of potentially dangerous predators including lions and crocodiles.

Throughout the series, Buchanan offers us a glimpse into the fascinating social dynamics of the gorilla family. We see how the dominant male Chimanuka manages to maintain his position as leader despite frequent challenges from his male offspring. The female gorillas are also shown to play an active role in the family's daily life, taking care of their babies while foraging for food.

Buchanan's relationship with the gorillas is particularly compelling, as he builds a special bond with many of the individuals in the family. We get to see heartwarming moments such as when Buchanan plays with the baby gorillas, and when Chimanuka shows off his strength by effortlessly ripping apart a tree trunk to make a place to sleep.

The series also provides an insight into the conservation efforts underway to protect the gorillas. We see how the park rangers use innovative techniques such as embedding GPS trackers in the gorillas' hair, which allows them to monitor their movements and protect them from poachers. We also see the rangers working with the local communities to educate them about the importance of protecting the gorillas.

Gorilla Family & Me is a visually stunning series, with breathtaking footage of the lush jungle landscape and the magnificent creatures that inhabit it. The camera work is particularly impressive, as the filmmakers use a range of techniques including aerial shots and hidden cameras to give us an immersive and detailed view of the gorillas' world.

Throughout the series, Buchanan's passion for wildlife conservation shines through. He is shown to be deeply committed to protecting the gorillas and raising awareness of the threats they face. In one particularly moving scene, he witnesses the aftermath of a poaching incident, as the rangers investigate the body of a dead gorilla. The scene serves as a stark reminder of why it is so important to protect these animals.

Overall, Gorilla Family & Me is an uplifting and engrossing series that offers viewers a unique insight into the world of gorillas, and the efforts to protect them. Buchanan's passion for wildlife and his strong relationship with the gorilla family make for compelling viewing. The series is a must-watch for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and the beauty of the natural world.